PHYSICIAN REVIEW OF GLYTONE®

Glytone® is a longstanding leader in physician initiated glycolic acid skin care. At Glytone®, the philosophy is to present glycolic acid skin care in a logical and simple yet scientific manner. The scientists at Glytone® have recognized that there are several important variables in glycolic acid products and regimens. Glytone® has taken steps to ensure that physicians and patients understand the mechanics of glycolic acid skin care systems so as to promote optimized glycolic regimen design for virtually every glycolic acid regimen candidate.

Genesis Pharmaceutical developed the Glytone® Skin Rejuvenation System many years ago and has continued to expand and refine the line over time. The beauty of the regimen is its simplicity. The at home regimen consists of a cleanser that is used twice daily, an exfoliator for overnight use and a moisturizer for the morning. The results achieved with the at home system can be augmented by in office glycolic peels. Cosmetic dermatologists frequently suggest in office peels at regular intervals to augment the results of the at home regimen. It is generally best to consult with a dermatologic beauty consultant prior to beginning the at home regimen for optimal initial product suggestions.

While the Glytone® product line has only three main components (cleanser, moisturizer and exfoliator) each component is available in three strengths and comes formulated for a variety of skin types including dry, normal, oily and sensitive. This multitude of choices makes careful selection of products essential. Over the years, Glytone® has discovered that for some glycolic acid users the strength of product that provides optimal results may increase over time. Years ago, Glytone® actually listed the percentage of available glycolic acid on each product in its name but this became somewhat cumbersome for patients. Glytone® has now simplified this into a three step program with product potency graded from one to three for each product.

Although Glytone® has simplified the classification of their products for ease of selection, they remain true to their philosophy of clear concise science-based product information. To that end, Glytone® publishes the actual percentage of available glycolic acid in each of their products. While other glycolic acid products may reveal the percentage of total glycolic acid in their products, the percentage of acid actually available for activity upon application to the skin is the more important clinically relevant number. For example, some glycolic lines have a high concentration of glycolic compound, for example 30%, but if one third of it is buffered, the actual bioavailable percentage of glycolic acid on the skin is only 20%. The glycolic acid table from Glytone® is unique to Glytone® and speaks to the line's scientific integrity and commitment to maximizing the value of their product offering through information and education.

In addition toe the three product base regimen, Glytone® offers a multitude of innovative quality products which are, for the most part, glycolic acid based. Two of my favorites are Glytone®'s Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream which really performs well on thick heels and elbows yielding a softer, smoother, thinner skin surface in areas where thickened rough skin can be a problem. Another favorite, especially with patients, is Glytone®'s Keratosis Pilaris Kit which consists of an exfoliating scrub, glycolic body wash and glycolic body lotion. This kit provides one of the more effective ways to manage Keratosis Pilaris.

Glytone® has always been a line promoted to the dermatologist for dispensation to patients. As such, marketing and packaging have been less of a focus for Glytone® than has been providing optimum quality products and educating the physician and patient on their proper use. While the result of this tendency has been fruitful and reflects Glytone®'s commitment to optimized product use, the brand as a whole might benefit from upgraded packaging and marketing. Glytone's current packaging is certainly attractive and functional but in today's skin care marketplace, I suspect they would be able to reach more people with renewed packaging. Also, I hope that Glytone® considers focusing some of the passion historically placed on product development into generating a broader market appeal for Glytone® in glycolic acid skin care regimen candidates.

In summary, Glytone® is a highly reputable longstanding leader in glycolic acid skin care that formulates and markets their products with scientific integrity while making every effort to ensure that users of their products are educated on how to optimize the results available with the line.

Dr. Craig Kraffert

Review posted 4/26/2005.

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